From The Hockey NewsZack KassianASSETS: Has tremendous size and strength, as well as the ability to dominate in the corners. Is aggressive, can fight and boasts a lot of scoring upside.

FLAWS: Is a questionable skater, which could hinder his ability to put up points at the highest level. Takes bad penalties on occasion.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Power forward with upside.

I wouldn't have done this deal if this is all there is to it. AV simply was not playing Hodgson to his capabilities and that I guess is why he is gone. Too bad because this kid will be a star for years to come.

It's a moving around of assets. I guess they decided that Hodgson wasn't going to move to wing or force Kesler to the wing. The team is missing young wingers, especially ones with size and Kassian has big time size. He's NHL ready but RAW yet. However, he is a young guy that is likely not far behind Wiese or Bitz right now and has a far higher ceiling.

Gragnani is a 25 year old D-man that can likely play in that 6-8 slot and improve to a 4/5 guy.

It makes sense from the canucks perspective but damn it could blow up in Gillis' face in a hurry.

Last edited by tantalum on Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Canuck-One wrote:From The Hockey NewsZack KassianASSETS: Has tremendous size and strength, as well as the ability to dominate in the corners. Is aggressive, can fight and boasts a lot of scoring upside.

FLAWS: Is a questionable skater, which could hinder his ability to put up points at the highest level. Takes bad penalties on occasion.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Power forward with upside.

I wouldn't have done this deal if this is all there is to it. AV simply was not playing Hodgson to his capabilities and that I guess is why he is gone. Too bad because this kid will be a star for years to come.

Yeah, but we got a good young D in return (a premium), Sulzer was a throw in, Gragnani will be the key to the whole deal...apparently it even opens up cap space...

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Logically it makes sense as there was no way that Hodgson was going to be a center on either of the Canucks top 2 lines. I really didnt think it was going to happen though. In Kassian we pick up a piece we didnt have. He is a guy who might be our first top 6 power forward since Bertuzzi. When Gillis said he was looking to change the chemistry of the team a bit he has really done that. Kassian will probably play in the bottom 6 to start but who knows.

Kind of goes back to the debate at the draft though. Hodgson's skill vs Kyle Beech's edge. Obviously Beech hasnt made it but Kassian fills that role.

Sulzer for me was useless. I dont know much about the other guy we got. but being a + player on Buffalo is a good sign.